Bristow council approves closing 2nd Street railroad crossing, conditions set for broader upgrades

The Bristow City Council on Oct. 21 approved a motion to close the 2nd Street railroad crossing on the condition that the railroad upgrade all crossings in the city. Councilmember Judd Johns moved the action and Councilmember Brian Peters seconded; the measure passed on a 4–3 roll-call vote (Church — No; Fletcher — Aye; Green — Aye; Groom — No; Johns — Aye; Peters — Aye; Roberts — No).

Johns argued the closure would leverage grant opportunities and drive broader crossing improvements, saying he knew of three wrecks at the 2nd Street crossing and urging the council to take advantage of the funding window. Mayor Kris Wyatt told the council the railroad crossings "are up to their standards" now but that the railroad indicated it would coordinate upgrades if the council agreed to close another crossing. Wyatt said the railroad estimated the coordinated program would likely start in about 18 months and take 25 to 30 months to complete.

Council members debated alternatives: Councilmember Joe Church said the city should press the railroad to repair crossings rather than close additional streets, while Peters suggested posting the railroad company's contact information for residents to request repairs. Mark Kennedy discussed restrictions and requirements tied to establishing a Quiet Zone, explaining some limitations for that option.

Next steps: staff and the mayor will coordinate with the railroad on the closure and program timing as recorded; the council’s approval is contingent on the railroad committing to the broader crossing updates.